THE new boss of a North-East hospital rocked by scandal says he is feeling "positive" about the task ahead.

Barry Skilbeck, former chief executive of the Western Isles Health Board, in Scotland, took over as acting chief executive of Northallerton's Friarage Hospital this week.

One of his first moves was to meet Professor Aidan Halligan, director of clinical governance for the NHS.

Prof Halligan heads a national NHS team, which has been invited to help the Friarage improve its patient services.

Yesterday, Prof Halligan had a two-hour meeting with the patient group campaigning for an inquiry into the Richard Neale scandal.

Mr Neale, a consultant gynaecological surgeon at the Northallerton trust between 1985 and 1995, was struck off for botching operations.

The trust was heavily criticised for failing to take action over the surgeon and for failing to take complaints from victims seriously.

Seventy-two former patients of Mr Neale have lodged complaints.

More recently, the trust was forced to dismiss consultant gynaecologist Neil Hebblethwaite after he admitted having an affair with a patient.

Mr Skilbeck said: "I am already struck that people are very committed, despite what has gone on."

Mr Skilbeck said he was keen to see the good level of service provided by the trust more widely recognised.

"That is one of the reasons we have gratefully accepted the assistance of Professor Halligan's team. They can help us get even better," he said.

Mr Skilbeck said he would like to meet the patients' action group.

"My position is that I will give as much assistance as possible to make sure the issues at the Friarage are resolved to people's satisfaction," he said.

Campaign group spokes-man Graham Maloney that said he was impressed by what Prof Halligan had to say, but stressed that the campaign for an inquiry would continue.

"There are too many questions which have not been answered," said Mr Maloney.